Chicago Bulls vs Cleveland Cavaliers

Central Division rivals clash on Monday when the Chicago Bulls (19-22) visit the Cleveland Cavaliers (22-15) at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland. The Bulls and the Cavaliers are going through promising stretches, with the latter winning seven of their previous 10 games while the former has won six of their four matches.

However, something has to give on Monday evening with tip-off at 7 p.m. EST.

Trying to move up

The Bulls have gone 14-8 in the last month and a half to put them in ninth place in the Eastern Conference race. However, the Bulls still have a long way to go, as they are five games behind the Cavaliers, who are currently occupying fourth place.

Chicago is coming off a 122-116 win over the San Antonio Spurs, the team’s fourth win since the return of All-Star guard Zach LaVine to the lineup after missing 17 games due to a foot injury.

The Bulls are eager to avenge their 109-95 loss to the Cavaliers right before Christmas Day—a game wherein Cleveland competed without their top four scorers—Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Caris LeVert. Mitchell, in particular, is expected to be a huge thorn for the Bulls, as he is coming off a spectacular 45-point performance against the Brooklyn Nets last week in Paris, France.

HANG IT IN THE LOUVRE 🇫🇷🔥

Donovan Mitchell outscores the Nets starters 45-44 in the Cavs' victory over the Nets in Paris 🕷 pic.twitter.com/XYY5UTIf33
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) January 11, 2024

Patrick Williams is questionable to play

Young Bulls forward Patrick Williams is questionable for Monday's game against the Cavaliers as he’s recuperating from an injured ankle. However, guards Ayo Dosunmu and Dalen Terry are probable to see action against the Cavaliers.

For Cleveland, versatile forward Max Strus is questionable to play because of a knee issue. The Cavs remain without starters Darius Garland and Evan Mobley, who are out indefinitely due to various injuries.

Silky smooth from Patrick Williams! pic.twitter.com/5iLzzOxcKY
— Bulls On Tap (@BullsOnTap) January 13, 2024